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Making Space 2024: December 7

Christine Hennebury

Sooooo, here we are at Day 7!

Today, I’d like to remind you that little spaces are good.

Sometimes, I write off taking little breaks because I imagine that, if I just keep puttering along, a bigger space will open up and I will be able to REALLY relax.

And sure, that works out sometimes but mostly I find that if I don’t take those little breaks, if I don’t enjoy those little spaces in my schedule, I am too tired to enjoy the big ones that do come along.

So, my space making friends, please, please, please, stop and chat with your friend, write in your journal, do a couple of stretches, savour your cup of tea or coffee, do a two minute drawing.

Those small spaces are good for you.

Yes, it’s still important to seek bigger spaces, longer rest, and more fun, but let’s not dismiss the restorative power of those little spaces.

Please do what you can to take good care of yourself by taking those breaks whenever you find (or make!) them.

Now, onto your Weekend Fun Plan.

I don’t know whether you planned your Weekend Fun for yesterday, today, or tomorrow, but I hope it goes off without a hitch and you have a delightful time.

BUT

What if you get to your time for Weekend Fun and you can’t actually do the thing?

May you’re sick or your kid needs you or you couldn’t get the thing you needed to make it work.

First, let me say that I’m sorry it didn’t work and that it is ok for you to be grumpy about it.

Second, once your initial frustration eases a little, you could try a modified version of your Weekend Fun and see how it feels.

Finally, if your Weekend Fun Plan cannot happen this weekend, please reschedule it.

Yes, I do mean reschedule.

Please don’t just abandon it or put it off until you get around to it.

Pick a different time and plan to do it then.*

I promise it will feel much different than hoping you’ll get to it at some point.

A changed plan is way better than an abandoned one.

And whether you get your Weekend Fun or whether you have to change or reschedule it, I wish you ease and self-kindness in the process.

Now, onto today’s smal spaces –

For our movement practice today, here’s Yes2Next with a Seated Core Workout.

Still image: A senior mother and her middle aged daughter seated in chairs with their legs extended forward. The mother has her arms crossed flat to her chest, the daughter has her arms extended. There is a light coloured rug beneath their chairs.

And here’s our mindfulness practice for today – Minute Meditation to Drop Into the Present Moment from Mindful Moments with Katie.

Still image description: a cartoon depiction of a person sitting cross-legged on a couch with their arms extended overhead. On the left side of the image is an orange blob with the title of the video on it in white. There is a blue background in the image.

Have fun out there! 💚🌟💚

*and if that time doesn’t work, re-reschedule! Your fun is worth the effort.

Published by Christine Hennebury

I'm a writer/storyteller/director/creativity & lifestory coach with a black belt in ITF Taekwon-do. I read voraciously and I write like my fingers are on fire. I'm the founder and Chair of the Association for the Arts in Mount Pearl and I'm a former president of the St. John's Storytelling Festival. I bake a mean chocolate chip cookie.